Pregnancy and Glycolic Acid

Suddenly you can no longer lift boxes, eat sushi, eat blue cheese, drink, use traditional cleaning supples, change the litter box, soak in a hot tub, once you discover the joy that you have been blessed with pregnancy the list of not allowed foods and activities seems like a welcome sacrifice for the joyous task ahead. Unfortunately, this list also includes some of the number one recommended anti-aging products. However, there are some great alternatives to replace these items that help you feel bright and cheery when you get ready for your day. For some people pregnancy is also a time when the hormonal changes actually cause skin issues to flair up. The predicament of pregnancy skin is one of the reasons why when Skin Medica released their new Glypro line, we were excited about adding this regimen to our products line.
First off, what exactly is off limits during pregnancy. This article at Baby Center is pretty comprehensive. Unfortunately, the very number one offender happens to be the number one recommended anti-aging product by both our office and dermatologists in general. It was #3 on Allure’s “The 10 Commandments of Anti-Aging.” Why are retinoids considered the gold standard for anti-aging? AsRutledge Forney, MD outlines in her comprehensive article on the science of anit-aging products, “Numerous studies have shown that extended use of these molecules will reverse long-term photoaging and rebuild collagen damaged by UV radiation.” Retinoids create this effect by encouraging the skin cells to turn over at a more youthful rate. As we age our skin cells slow down, much like the rest of our body.
Retinoids prevent this slowing of cell turnover. Nonetheless, “Some studies have shown that high doses of vitamin A during pregnancy can be harmful to an unborn child. And oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin (Accutane, an acne treatment), are known to cause birth defects.”
So, if you can no longer use retinoids, which might also be preventing your acne by sloughing off the dead skin cells that can often clog pores, what can you use? Glycolic Acid is one of the safest and most effective topical exfoliants available. When Skin Medica released the Glypro line we knew it would be an excellent alternative for women during pregnancy as well as our clients with skin that has reacted negatively to retinoids. If you have any more questions about adding this line to your regimen or how to enhance your product line in general we offer free product consultations with our aestheticians. Call at 404-816-7900 or come into anyone of our three offices for more information!

McCalla manages the Facebook page, website content, marketing campaigns, and blog, and designs the marketing material. McCalla has been involved with Dermatology Affiliates since 2004. McCalla is married with two children. When she isn’t working she loves painting and reading.